04/11/2023
By Chris Gibbs
Determined performance rewarded with narrow win
Nantwich Town 0-1 Newcastle Town
(Speed 57)
Newcastle put in a terrific performance at Nantwich Town today and were duly rewarded with an impressive 1-0 win.
Following defeat in our two most recent games and after it being a fortnight since we last played, getting back on the board today was a much-needed fillip and a reminder that we’re right up there competing with the best of them this season.
Today’s result was merited by an all-round strong team performance, Slinny pulling off an important save when he needed to, the back four working extremely hard as a unit, the midfield three sticking manfully to the task and the front three of Kingsley, Callum and Pat Maz offering a decent outlet when we broke.
It wasn’t a game of countless chances, far from it, but it was a day when the whole team needed to be on it. And they were. Incredibly, this was our fourth win from our last five league away games, so when it comes to consistency, the form we produce on our travels is second-to-none.
The first half was a scrappy affair, our best chance fell to Pat Mazurkiewicz after some determined wing play from Callum Speed. Unfortunately, Pat’s shot was too close to the keeper.
Kyle Stubbs – who had an otherwise outstanding game – made one blemish in injury time at the end of the half with a back header that sold Joe Slinn short but fortunately Slinny was alert to the danger and out quickly to save an attempted lob from the home side’s Kai Evans. Stubbsy would go on to return the bail out favour later when our no.1 dropped a cross.
The only goal game of the game came 12 minutes into the second half. Kingsley Adu Gyamfi turned his man and powered in a shot which Dabbers’ keeper Danny Roberts could only push into the path of Callum Speed, who tapped home from almost on top of the goal-line.
From there on, it was even. Jack van der Laan, tasked with the job of keeping the home team’s playmaker Steven Hewitt quiet, did a top job although when Nantwich did earn setpieces we did wobble. Hewitt’s delivery was always on point and from one such free kick, Slinny did well to save with his legs.
As the game neared its conclusion, we had a huge sigh of relief moment as the home side screamed for a penalty from a Jack Derbyshire challenge. Breaking forward, Phoenix Lee, on as a sub for goal scorer Pat then had a glorious chance to put the game to bed but slid his shot wide having done brilliantlyinitially to create the opportunity for himself.
But on the day, one goal was enough and with many other league results going our way, we now need to capitalise on four of our next five matches being at home to start moving up the league table. It’s all in our hands..
Well played ‘Castle!
Team: Slinn, Derbyshire, Ritchie, T. van der Laan(c), Jordan, Stubbs, Adu Gyamfi (Berks) , Graham, Mazurkeiwicz, (Lee), J. Van der Laan, Speed, (Edwards)
Man of the match: Kyle Stubbs